N.Z. juniors unbeaten on tour

Press, 12 September 1988, Page 18

N.Z. juniors unbeaten on tour

A strong, tall New Zealand junior women’s basketball team has completed a fivematch South Island tour undefeated. It beat a makeshift Canterbury invitation side, 80-56, at Cowles Stadium yesterday after overwhelming Mid-Canterbury, 130-41, on Saturday evening. Canterbury started strongly although the team had not practised together and, with enterprise, led 24-14 after 11 minutes. As Canterbury used its bench, the New Zealand juniors pressed Canterbury hard, forcing errors and quickly raced to a 31-26 lead

three minutes later. By half-time, the New Zealand juniors side was in control, leading 42-33. Canterbury restored some honour in the second spell with some good baskets but was unable to contain the well-drilled junior unit. The New Zealand juniors contained five players from the Basketball Institute including the Cantabrians, Rhonda Milner and Moeroa Murphy. Milner impressed greatly with her speed and agility. She distributed the ball well while Murphy shot 12 points, looking confident.

Otago’s Kate Jerram was the team’s leading scorer throughout the tour, showing strength and agility while Shelley Norris also impressed. Otago’s Tracey Garland showed potential. The Canterbury league player, Sue Bennie (16) used her height to good advantage while a former league player, Brenda Atchison, powered in 17 points. Raylene Forde set up play for Canterbury with enthusiasm and speed. Results and scoring details: —

New Zealand Juniors 89 (K. Jerram 19, T. Garland

15), Southland 55. (Half-time, 38-25).

New Zealand Juniors 70 (K. Jerram 18), Otago 57. (Half-time, 36-27). New Zealand Juniors 98 (R. Milner 15, K. Jerram 14, S. Meads 14), South Canterbury 36. (Half-time, 53-18). New Zealand Juniors 130 (K. Jerram 23, M. Murphy 16, P. Bloor 15), Mid-Canterbury 41. (Half-time, 69-21).

New Zealand Juniors 80 (K. Jerram 14, R. Milner 13, S. Meads 11), Canterbury 56 (B. Atchison 17, S. Bennie 16, M. Collins 7). Half-time, 4233.